For those that have never seen a gear case running at the surface

[Sprky]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Br6JV7CwheE&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL Skip to 2:00 min.

Same boat making a 80+ pass.........Not bad for a V4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMF31PI111s&feature=related

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: For those that have never seen a gear case running at the surface



DANG! Sparky, I can only get 45 out of my 10 foot tunnel Cougar Cub, made for class racing--but she's only rated for 55. I cant put on a bigger engine because the 55 and me almost put her under water at rest. And I am not running a surface prop either, simple Michigan two blade bronze.
Look closely bubba. Just a little past 2 minutes you can see the nose cone point (welded on type) above the water. You can also see from the beginning of the video reflections of shore/trees in the gelcoat to the left.

 

[Sprky]

Re: For those that have never seen a gear case running at the surface

Frank, there is always more to be had. If your 55 is anything like the rest of the line up, it is very anemic.

The cool thing is there are only two cylinders to deal with, mods come quick.

Send me a set of reed cages a head and a flywheel and we can do the simple stuff first...........N/C just pay the freight



I have a nice 4cyl, 4 carb motor, with a mercury ignition and light flywheel, on a Bonneville mid that would be perfect for that boat.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: For those that have never seen a gear case running at the surface



I know the stock Chrysler is weak but what can I say--I like 'em. Anyway, I already have a ported engine in the works and it's sitting on a Merc/Force lower so I should be able to get a lot more props for it.

I also have a killer 60 with power t/t but it weighs probably 40 pounds more and I am leery of mounting it.

This boat is a nasty one-- even at only 45 top speed it won't take any wakes. I have had it upside-down three times. Make the slightest mistake and it bites you in the a**

I also have a nice little 14 foot flat bottom with a 125. Absolutely stock and it gives me 60 top end. If I ever get around to modifying the hull the way I want, I should get 65 and if I eventually get a nose cone and jackplate I would not be surprised to see 70.

 

[Sprky]

Re: For those that have never seen a gear case running at the surface

What is that.......a Piranha?

Is the mid a 16" or a 20"?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: For those that have never seen a gear case running at the surface



It is an unknown hull. I tried to find it on fiberclassics and did find a couple of similar hulls but --no cigar-- It is probably somewhere around late '50s to early '60s

When I acquired it, it was full of plastic ice-cream containers. I mean full, right to the gunwales. I shoveled them out at the marina. No way was I taking them home.

It was originally a 15 inch transom but I added 5 inches and reinforced with .080 hard aluminum. I tore out the floor and re-stringered with home-made fiberglass stringers. I added three cross braces and the seat boxes are 2X4 bolted the the cross braces. The joining flange was originally stapled together but the P.O probably played bumper boats with the hull, so I cut off the flange and glassed the two halves together.

With the wide flaring bow, it always reminded me of an aircraft carrier and a Glastron, but it definitely is not a Glastron Sent a photo to them and they denied making it.

Eventually, I do intend to fair the repairs and gelcoat the hull in a two tone color scheme.

 

[seabob4]

Re: For those that have never seen a gear case running at the surface

Well, there goes my buddy Mr. Demeanor. For those who frequent THT, you'll know who he is...

 

[Mr. Demeanor]

Re: For those that have never seen a gear case running at the surface

Well, there goes my buddy Mr. Demeanor. For those who frequent THT, you'll know who he is...

Ya....I get around

The boat in videos is mine. She is one of only 5 built by Biel Performance boats in 1994-95. Mine was bought new from Mike Biel about 2 years ago unrigged and had never seen sunshine.
The boat was designed by Mike Biel and his neighbor Ted Jones (of hydroplane racing fame). The boat is a 13' true tunnel based largely on the 20' Jones tunnel hull design.
The engine is a stock 1994 Yamaha 130hp with transom mount water pickup feeding water via a hose to the water pump. I was losing water pressure at around 78mph with the Bobs nosecone due to the extremely high engine heights I run. It also has Carson Marine reeds. The engine has never been opened up and has who knows hw many hours on it but just runs and runs. The rev limiter has been disabled and I turn it to 6500 rpm regularly and for very long runs.
With a 28 pitch Mercury cleaver I have gone 82.6mph at 6400rpm. I just bought a 30 pitch Mercury cleaver and I believe 85mph is within reach.
My "every day" prop is a 26 pitch Mercury Racing ET that runs about 76mph top end, accelerates hard, and is very very easy to drive.
The boat is very easy to drive and feels much bigger than 13'. I can run through tight white capped chop at 70+mph and she just eats it up. Runs right by much faster boats in the chop.

I will post some vids up next.

 

[Mr. Demeanor]

Re: For those that have never seen a gear case running at the surface

Shorter version of the gearcase video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIXvi33I0o8&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Running with the big dogs on the St. Johns River. Some nasty chop at the end of this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLIRM0L1vZI

Running in the gulf.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugufq6FNRus&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Trying to destroy a pirate flag at 75mph.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpYynWRTyQ0&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

 

[zopperman]

Re: For those that have never seen a gear case running at the surface

That must be frightening..

 

[Mr. Demeanor]

Re: For those that have never seen a gear case running at the surface

Its amazingly stable and easy to drive.

 

[Mr. Demeanor]

Re: For those that have never seen a gear case running at the surface

Heres a better video of a surfacing gearcase. Its a single engine 4 stroke Honda 225 on a tunnel hull that does about 100mph. This video is amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZm11iP0EUU

 

[seabob4]

Re: For those that have never seen a gear case running at the surface

D, that is frickin awesome!! Love the bungee around the mid-section...